Project Spark is going to be completely free; Future DLC being cancelled

Joe Anderson
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1 year ago

Project Spark, Microsoft's game creation tool, is transitioning to a "free incubation engine," meaning that its going to be completely free from October 5, although all future DLC is to be cancelled.

"On October 5, Project Spark will be rolling out its biggest update and platform change," announced Microsoft. "This update overhauls many Project Spark systems and areas. The biggest change is a shift from a free-to-play model to a free and open creation platform.

"This will automatically unlock previously paid downloadable content for new and existing Project Spark users. Microsoft will pivot from producing DLC and active feature development to encouraging more user generated content and opening the Project Spark experience."

In light of these changes to a fully free model, all players who have purchased Project Spark digital content on or after July 28, 2015, purchased a retail disc and activated it by product key redemption on or after July 28, 2015 or have a remainder balance of purchased in-game tokens will be entitled to Microsoft Store credit equivalent to their money spent. Microsoft Store credits will be awarded automatically to all users within 30-60 days after October 5.

Additionally, today’s released content packs are the last planned DLC. "With a total of 46 released packs and 2,000+ assets, we feel like we've gotten to a good place with our content offers for creators. This also means that we will no longer create episodic adventures, including future Conker’s Big Reunion episodic content. We’ll leave it up to you to continue his story in whatever ways you want, and we can’t wait to see what you create!"

The new Project Spark Title Update, arriving on October 5, will include features like:

- The maximum terrain limit in creations has been doubled (on top of Massive World Builder)- The maximum prop limit in creations has been increased by 500 (on top of Massive World Builder)- 200+ new assets will be added in game, including a dragon, goblin warlord, bog biome and a set of new primitive building blocks- Each creator will now have a total of 100 Upload Slots for their creations- UGC ranking will be based on downloads and favorites, instead of upvote/downvote ratings- The Project Spark Marketplace has been removed- The Project Spark Tour and Treasure Trove have been removed- Achievements have been revamped for players and creators